Cherries, a fruit that normally thrives in the hills and cold climates, are now being coaxed to grow on the flatlands of Uttar Pradesh. In Hariharpur village of the Wazirganj block in Gonda district, a young farmer named Sushil Nishad has planted cherry saplings in his field — and in doing so has caught the attention of his entire area. Since the fruit's cultivation is generally considered possible only in hilly, cool regions, seeing it take root in a flat plains district like Gonda has become a talking point in itself.
An Experiment Born of Curiosity
Sushil Nishad enjoys trying out new things in farming, and that very curiosity led him to cherries. Speaking to TrendKia, he explained that he first gathered information about the crop. He read up on the internet, consulted agricultural experts, and only after weighing every angle did he decide to put saplings in the ground.
He believes that farmers who experiment with new crops can find better opportunities down the line. At the same time, he cautions that before adopting any new crop, a farmer must fully understand three things — its climate needs, the soil, and market demand — otherwise all the hard work can go to waste.
Why He Chose Cherries
According to Sushil, cherry is a fruit whose market demand never really drops. Along with its excellent taste, it is rich in several nutrients. In big cities its price runs far higher than that of ordinary fruits. That is precisely why, if this cultivation succeeds, there is every chance a farmer could earn a handsome profit.
The Care the Plants Demand
Keeping cherry plants healthy is no easy task; they require special attention. Sushil is irrigating them regularly, applying manure on time, and arranging measures to protect the plants from damage. He says every necessary step is being taken to give the saplings a favourable environment. The plants are also being monitored constantly so that any problem can be addressed in time.
A Three-Year Wait and Plenty of Patience
The experiment has stirred curiosity among neighbouring farmers as well. Many are coming to Sushil's field themselves to look at the plants and ask detailed questions. Villagers say that if this attempt pays off, other farmers in the area may also consider taking up cherry cultivation. Sushil notes that with proper care, the plants begin bearing fruit roughly three years after they are planted. In other words, the crop calls for both patience and steady effort.
Not Just Income, but Awareness
Sushil says his goal is not merely to boost his own income but to steer other farmers in the district toward new and profitable crops. He wants farmers to embrace crops that hold future promise alongside their traditional farming. If this experiment succeeds, he says, he plans to expand the scale of his cherry orchard in the days ahead. He is convinced that demand for the fruit in the market stays steady, which is why it could become a strong source of earnings for farmers.
